Goud puts Railways in front

The odds were on a Railways victory at Ranchi after Bihar, facing a victory target of 242, were floundering at 136/5 at stumps in this Group B Super League tie today.

Earlier a priceless innings by Railways skipper Yere Goud had taken the visiting side to 216 in their second innings. Goud remained undefeated on 82 (178 balls, 12 fours) while No.9 Tejinder Singh wielded the long handle to smite 31 in 17 balls (4 fours and a six). The scourge of Railways, Mihir Diwakar, took one more wicket today to finish with match figures of 12-121.

Bihar had lost the top five in the batting order in their second innings. With 106 still needed, Manish Kumar and keeper MS Dhoni were at the crease. Opener Nikhilesh Ranjan top scored with 51 (155 balls, 7 fours). Railways struck two crucial blows towards the close by removing Ranjan and captain Sunil Kumar who made 31.